Healthy Cooking Tips for the Barbecue

You want healthy barbecue recipes and healthy grilling recipes that also taste great, so check out Shape’s barbecue food recommendations.

Hot dogs, ribs, potato salad…a typical plate of traditional barbecue food can weigh in at 1,500 calories-and that's before you go back for seconds. While indulging once or twice won't wreck your waistline, regular backyard get-togethers can pack on the pounds. Enjoy these healthy grilling recipes and healthy barbecue recipes so you'll stay bikini-slim all summer long.

Healthy Eating Tips for Snacks

There's nothing wrong with a little nosh before the main event - just be mindful of these healthy eating tips when you dip your chip.

Best Barbecue Food
Tortilla chips with salsa
(11 chips, 2 tbsp. dip): 151 calories, 7 g fat (Switch to a baked variety to cut 33 calories and 4 grams of fat.)
Pretty Good
Tortilla chips with guacamole
(11 chips, 2 tbsp. dip): 209 calories, 16 g fat
Worst
Potato chips with ranch dip
(11 chips, 2 tbsp. dip): 301 calories, 26 g fat

Healthy Eating Tips for the Main Course

Here’s a healthy cooking tip to make grilled meat more diet-friendly: Curb portion sizes by pairing it with plenty of veggies. You'll fill up your plate, so you won't feel deprived.

Best Barbecue Food
2 beef and veggie kebabs
(with 2 oz. sirloin and 1 cup tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms): 146 calories, 11 g fat
Pretty Good
Hot dog
345 calories, 19 g fat
Worst
3 barbecue pork ribs
594 calories, 34 g fat

Healthy Eating Tips for Sides

A healthy barbecue recipe should also include grilled corn on the cob, which has a fraction of the calories in mayonnaise- or oil-drenched salads.

Best Barbecue Food
Corn on the cob
(1 ear): 59 calories, 1 g fat
Pretty Good
Pasta salad
(1 cup): 240 calories, 1 g fat
Worst
Potato salad
(1 cup): 358 calories, 21 g fat

Drink

Cocktail calories can add up fast, so choose your drink wisely.

Best
Light beer
(12 oz.): 96 calories, 0 g fat
Pretty Good
Sangria
(8 oz.): 155 calories, 0 g fat
Worst
Daiquiri
(8 oz.): 304 calories, 0 g fat

Healthy Eating Tips for Dessert

Before making a beeline for the baked goods, pile some fruit on your plate. Because it's high in water and fiber, you'll feel more satisfied.

Best Barbecue Food
Watermelon
(1 wedge): 46 calories, 0 g fat
Pretty Good
Fudge brownie
(2-inch square): 112 calories, 7 g fat
Worst
Blueberry pie
(1/8 pie): 290 calories, 13 g fat

Here is more useful healthy cooking information for your delicious summer barbecues!

Discover key safety tips when creating your own healthy grilling recipes and perfect three techniques that will enhance your healthy barbecue recipes today.